Paul Arithi 
KCB Foundation held 2Jiajiri graduation at an event that was graced by the President Dr.William Ruto at Kasarani indoor stadium where the 3,500 graduating youth were trained in the building and construction sector courtesy of KCB Foundation, in partnership with the German Government— implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
In addition, KCB Group is scaling the 2Jiajiri programme, the youth empowerment and job creation programme in Kenya and extending it to the other markets where the Bank operates in.This will see the Foundation expand the programme in Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda with entry in South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo planned later this year with a target of benefiting youth to create thousands of new jobs.
“We are giving youths what they deserve, to dignify the informal sector, which we believe will boost their morale in in contributing to East Africa’s growth agenda.Access to skills and finances will help them buy tools and acquire knowledge that will give them dignity in their work. We are looking at raising the next generation of highly skilled and reliable masons, electricians, carpenters, hairdressers, and mechanics among other trades,” KCB Chairman, Joseph Kinyua said.
Locally, the KCB Foundation/ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH programme has resulted in the creation of 1,257 businesses, 7,272 jobs directly and indirectly and supporting over 10,000 households.
KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said: “We are seeing a growing crop of bright-eyed young entrepreneurs whose passion is contagious and whose perspective of the world and future is always exciting we’re giving them meaningful opportunities to start and grow their business.”
Patricia Musangi, a beneficiary of the 2Jiajiri program narrated her experience of running her firm dealing with fabrication. She has 20 employees and has supported 250 others through contract work.
James Bethwel, another 2jiajiri beneficiary praised the program and gave advice to his fellow youth. ”KCB has changed my life. I could not raise Kshs 200 but now I can afford projects. My fellow youths, this life ni wewe kujituma and change your life,” he said.
“From the stories we heard today, I hope everyone blessed with opportunity can bring about transformation. It is a testament on how we can transform the youth” KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said.
